ORDER OF INSECTIVORA. 
511 
The Chrysochlores burrow like the Moles, and pass their lives 
underground. 
Family of Shrew Mice. — The animals included in this family 
have a certain resemblance to Fats, but their muzzle is somewhat 
trumpet-shaped, pointed or flattened, and this feature markedly 
distinguishes them from these Fodents. Their habits are very 
diverse according to the genera. These are five in number : the 
true Shrew Mice, the Solenodons, the Macroscelides, the Fhyn- 
chocyons, and the Desmans. 
Genus Shrew Mouse . — A superficial observer would be apt to 
confound the Shrew Mouse (Fig. 223) with the Mouse. They are 
nearly of the same form and size ; but the Shrew Mouse has a more 
Fig. 223.— Water Shrew ( Crossopus fodiens ). 
tapering head, the ears shorter, and the tail not so long. Besides 
these differences, the characteristics to be found in the dentition 
of this creature place an impassable barrier between the Fodent 
and Insectivore. The Shrew Mice offer us examples of the smallest 
Mammals, certain species being much more diminutive than the 
Mouse. 
These animals are, like the Moles, very badly endowed with 
vision ; their eyes are so small that it is almost impossible to 
distinguish the pupils. Long moustaches ornament their muzzle. 
Their hair is silky, thick, and varying in colour between a grey 
and a brown ; it is very short on the head, tail, and paws. 
The Shrew Mice feed on worms, insects, snails, and grain 
